Stonington officers recognized for saving two lives

Stonington — Police Chief J. Darren Stewart said Thursday that his officers have saved the lives of two men over the past two weeks.

The latest incident occurred early Sunday morning when just past midnight, Sgt. William Morrison came upon a man who was threatening to jump off the Pawcatuck River bridge as he sat with his feet hanging over the edge.

Stewart said that Morrison talked to the man and when the man became distracted, Morrison closed in and pulled him to safety.

On March 12, Lt. Keith Beebe and Lt. Todd Olson along with Officer Joseph McDermott responded to the laundromat in the shopping plaza next to the police station after getting a report that a man was choking. They performed CPR and revived the man.

Stewart said he will recommend to the police department committee that bestows life-saving awards each year that the four officers receive the honor.